Getting Buggy with it

The Permaculture Research Institute Cold Climate is offering a fantastic seminar series on Gardening with Insects. The Permaculture Research Institute-Cold Climate began as the Permaculture Collaborative in 2003 and has transformed from a community organization to a nonprofit group, offering unique educational and outreach programs and events.

Register online for this 3-part lecture series and save over 33%! Or attend 1 or 2 of the lectures and pay at the door.

When and Where : All lectures are 7-9pm in the Auditorium (Room #150) on the main floor of MCAD (MN College of Art and Design), 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis

Wednesday, September 9
INTRODUCTION TO INSECT MANAGEMENT
A bit of biology, a bit of ecology, basic overview of biocontrols.

Insect characteristics and life cycles

Plants we love and the pests that eat them

Species identification and stages of management

Common insect pests in local gardens

Wednesday, September 16
BIOCONTOL REGIMES FOR PEST MANAGEMENT
Specifics of solving pest problems using predator/parasitic wasp complexes and/or multispecies releases of predatory mites; the process of ordering bio-agents from biocontrol suppliers; and how alternative pesticides like insecticidal soaps, hort oils, and kaolin clays work physically on insects – in contrast to synthetic pesticides that function as nerve toxins.

Natural pesticides, soaps, and clays

Beneficial insect predators and parasites

Multi-species release and biocontrols

Seasonal management techniques

Sources for beneficial insects

Wednesday, September 23
PLANTING HABITAT FOR BENEFICIAL INSECT MANAGEMENT
A long-term view of biological control : the importance of creating habitat, and how plant diversity enables the insect diversity needed for natural control of pest populations.